FM affirms Vietnam’s commitment to global climate change response efforts

The statement was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son during a meeting with UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Elizabeth Truss in Glasgow, Scotland (the UK), on November 1 afternoon (local time).  He has been accompanying Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on a working visit to the UK to attend the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).

The Vietnamese diplomat voiced his support for the UK’s role as the host of COP26, and affirmed that Vietnam continues its strong commitment to contribute to global efforts in response to climate change.

He applauded Truss for her important contributions to the signing and enforcement of the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) in her previous role as Secretary of State for International Trade.

For her part, Truss highly appreciated Vietnam's strong commitment to respond to climate change, and expressed her elation at the good development of Vietnam - UK relations over the past time.

She pledged to augment bilateral cooperative ties in potential fields such as science-technology, renewable energy and green finance.

Both sides emphasized the importance of the issuance of a joint statement on the occasion of the 10th founding anniversary of the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership.

They consented to intensify delegation exchange, especially high level ones, while working closely together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam – UK diplomatic ties in 2023.

Son once again thanked the British Government for donating vaccines, and medical equipment to assist Vietnam in its COVID-19 fight.

He suggested the UK, as a strategic partner, continue to assist Vietnam in accessing vaccines and provide the country with essential medical equipment and supplies and COVID-19 treatment drugs.

The pair were appreciative of the close coordination between the two sides at multilateral forums, especially at the UN Security Council during Vietnam's 2020-2021 tenure as a non-permanent member.

Truss expressed her gratitude for Vietnam's enthusiastic support, especially as Chair of ASEAN 2020, in helping her nation become a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). She agreed to advocate the bloc’s centrality in the region.

Son affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to support the UK to boost its substantive cooperation with ASEAN and to share experience with the UK regarding the negotiation to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

During the meeting, the two diplomats compared notes on international and regional issues of shared concern, and underscored the importance of upholding international law and ensuring the freedom of navigation and overflight, security, and peace in the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea).

On the occasion, Son invited Truss to soon pay an official visit to Vietnam and his invitation was graciously accepted.